The Chariot of Israel and Its Horsemen – The Repose of Archbishop Dmitri of Dallas

And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?” Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” So he said, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.” Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it, and he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” So he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces. (2 Kings 2:9-12)

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These verses came to mind when I heard the news this morning of the repose of Archbishop Dmitri of Dallas. There are a number of saints within Orthodox history who are given the title: “Equal to the Apostles.” I cannot rush beyond the Church and declare a saint where the Church has not done so, but I can think of no better description of the life and ministry of Vladika Dmitri here in the South than “equal to the Apostles.”

Many people whose familiarity with the presence of the Orthodox faith in English-speaking lands are unaware that until 1962 there was no particular standard work of introduction to Orthodoxy available in English. Thus pioneers, such as Met. Kallistos Ware in England (who wrote that first standard work), or Archbishop Dmitri (who entered the faith along with his sister – as teenagers – in 1941) were extremely rare individuals and generally found conversion a nearly impossible feat.

Vladika Dmitri began life as a Texas Baptist, and, in my experience, never spoke ill of his background. I can recall him saying, “I like Baptists – they make great Orthodox!” accompanied by a sly smile. Indeed, I frequently heard him caution converts to Orthodoxy to refrain from disparaging their roots: “Most likely, it’s where you first heard of Christ.” His conversion as a teen led to a life as a scholar, missionary, teacher, leader, pastor – all in the context of kindness and love.

He cared deeply about the Christian faith and expressed concern, even dismay, as he saw many surrounding Churches that once would have been considered “traditional,” moving away from many of the primary teachings of the Christian faith. He was particularly expressive about the weakening of the doctrine of Christ’s Incarnation. He insisted that the understanding of God becoming Man was the only possible foundation for the dignity of human beings. It was a thought shared by men such as C.S. Lewis.

His advice to priests was very clear: “When you have opportunity to speak about the faith, never turn it down. And when you speak, don’t waste time on ethnic concerns. Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ – that is the great treasure of Orthodox and that is what you have to offer.”

In 1977 he was almost elected as the Metropolitan of the newly-autocephalous Orthodox Church in America. The Holy Synod seemed less than sure that the OCA was ready for a convert-bishop to be Metropolitan. In 1978, the Holy Synod formed the Diocese of the South, with Dallas as its see city. Bishop Dmitri was appointed as its first diocesan bishop. The new diocese had little more than a half dozen parishes, strung from Florida to Virginia to New Mexico (mostly Florida). Vladika Dmitri would always smile and call it his “consolation prize.”

However, it became a great apostolic opportunity for a man uniquely suited to its apostolic task. He saw the Diocese grow over ten-fold with a remarkable spirit of kindness and hospitality. During World War II he met an Orthodox priest in California who spoke about a vision of an American Orthodox Church. It was the first time the young Dmitri had encountered the concept. It became his vision as well. In the course of a life-time, he saw that vision mature in his beloved South. Having been its apostle, he now becomes its intercessor. May his memory be eternal!

Most definitely Vladyka has been an Apostle to the South. He made me want to be a better Christian just by being around him. I am drinking coffee in his honour and memory. The best honour to him will be to continue his ministry. He was always very mindful of the wounds of people and was always seeking that those wounds would be healed. And he always proclaimed the Gospel, even its inconvenient truths to our age. May his memory be eternal, and I sorely miss him being with us.

[…] And then there’s another that has been a favorite of mine (and others) that yesterday became a reflection on the preciousness of the time we’re given as well. Let us praise the Lord while we have breath… with every fiber and every ounce of our being, and we will find peace. Archbishop Dmitri here has a look of serenity in this you can’t find from any other source. Memory Eternal! (For reflections, please see Byzantine Texas and Fr. Stephen’s Glory to God for All Things). […]

While I never had the privilege of personally meeting Archbishop Dmitri, he struck me as a man of much humility and meekness. And I’ve certainly enjoyed reading several books from his pen. Memory eternal!

When you get the chance, Father Stephen, please consider writing about the specifics of why Bp Dmitri was so loved and admired. I did have the privilege of meeting him a couple of times and hearing a handful of his sermons. But I know that particularly his priests and those close to him spoke of him with such high praise and honor. What did you experience that allowed you so see his greatness?

Thank you, Father Stephen, for the description of a man and priest whose influence and dreams will always be in our hearts. We will miss him dearly at St. Seraphim’s. Our faith is stronger and our lives are more meaningful because of Vladyka Dimtri.

Condolences to you on the loss of two fathers, Fr. Stephen. Many thanks for sharing your thoughts about Archbishop Dimitri on Ancient Faith Radio. It was wonderful to hear about the life you shared with him.

Memory Eternal… and prayers for you, Father Stephen, as you deal with two losses of amazing men. You are in our prayers as you walk this journey. Thankfully, both Fathers are interceding and will continue to do so along with the rest of the Saints. But in our humanness and rawness, prayers and encouragement for you to finish this race.

[…] within Orthodox history who are given the title, ‘Equal to the Apostles,’ ” noted Father J. Stephen Freeman of Oak Ridge. “I cannot rush beyond the church and declare a saint where the church has not […]

[…] number of saints within Orthodox history who are given the title, ‘Equal to the Apostles,’ ” noted Father J. Stephen Freeman of Oak Ridge. “I cannot rush beyond the church and declare a saint where the church has not done […]